An Arizona-based food, beverage and travel writer since 2008, I launched this website in 2015 to document my culinary adventures, beverage escapades, gardening endeavors, and travel in the Phoenix area and beyond. Also find a comprehensive calendar of Phoenix-area food and drink-related events on my Events page.

JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING (PRESS RELEASE) – Visitors to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks can put the “Scenic Safaris Seven”—a lucky number of unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime sights—on their summer travel bucket lists. Scenic Safaris, operated by National Park Service concessionaire Forever Resorts, offers ATV, luxury van and hiking tours into the parks from Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The company’s roster of half-day and full-day tours showcase not only the iconic landscapes, but also the many species of fauna that call the parks home.

The Scenic Safaris Seven unforgettable sights include:

Old Faithful – Arguably the famous cone geyser in America, Old Faithful was the first geyser in Yellowstone to be named back in 1870. Its highly predictable geothermal eruptions occur approximately every 90 minutes.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone – The majestic 24-mile long canyon was carved by the Yellowstone River and is home to Yellowstone Falls. The canyon is believed to be carved from the earth by a combination of erosion, glaciers and volcanic activity. Geothermal activity is a constant reminder of hydrothermal geyser basin which has stained the walls of this Grand Canyon with iron compounds leaving the iconic site to be marveled today.

Grand Prismatic Spring – Vibrant hues of red, orange, yellow, green and blue color the largest hot spring in the United States. Active Thermophiles and microscopic creatures found in Yellowstone give rise to the magnificent color pallet left in this thermal feature.

Mud Volcano Area – See a variety of interesting geothermal features marked by emissions of hydrogen sulfide gas, including Grizzly Fumarole, Sour Lake, Churning Caldron, Sizzling Basin and Cooking Hillside. A bubbling pot of muddy water containing acidic iron sulfide gas is emitted forming the furious sounds and smells of a truly amazing thermal feature. Once having extremely furious eruptions, it is now one of the few places in Yellowstone to view such an amazing illustration of Yellowstone’s past.

Dragon’s Mouth Spring ­– This feature of the Mud Volcano area was first named in 1912, due to the wave of water that frequently surges from the cave like the lashing of a dragon’s tongue.

Bridger Teton National Forest – Guided ATV rides offer the best way to get off the beaten path, away from the more popular public access areas—all while offering a chance to spot some of the area’s most amazing wildlife. In addition, riders can look forward to seeing extraordinary vistas of the Tetons while on this safari. Multiple departures are offered each day to accommodate even the busiest travelers.

America’s Big Six: Wolves, Black Bears, Grizzly Bears, Bison, Moose and Elk – Visitors have a chance of checking off six bucket-list sights for the price of one if they spot all six big game specimens during their tour.

Note: Park entry fees and guide gratuities are not included in tour prices. A 15 percent gratuity will be automatically added upon reservation for private and group bookings. All tours are subject to change due to weather and snow conditions.

ABOUT SCENIC SAFARISBased in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Scenic Safaris offers summer and winter tours in the majestic Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, as well as the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Summer tour options include guided backcountry ATV/UTV tours, street legal UTV rentals, hiking, and luxury wildlife-viewing tours. In the winter, Scenic Safaris offers guided tours aboard its state-of-the-art snowcoaches and quiet, fuel-efficient snowmobiles. All equipment utilized meets the National Park Service’s newest noise and emission requirements. To ensure each guest is offered the most informative and enjoyable experience possible, all Scenic Safaris’ tour guides are certified by the National Association for Interpretation and are Wilderness First Responders. For more information on all tour options available, go to www.Scenic-Safaris.com, find us on Facebook or call (307) 734-8898. To make a reservation inquiry, send an E-mail to reservations@scenic-safaris.com.

ABOUT FOREVER RESORTSForever Resorts is an exceptional collection of destinations providing hospitality services throughout the world. The company focuses on properties with access to nature and one-of-a-kind surroundings for vacations, including houseboating adventures. For more information, go to www.ForeverResorts.com, www.Facebook.com/ForeverResorts or follow on Twitter: @ForeverResorts.

When my husband told me he had a business trip to Denver, Colorado, the first thing I said was, "you have to make us a reservation at Frasca!" This award-winning Italian restaurant specializing in the food of the Friuli region, specifically, Friuli-Venezia Giulian cuisine, had long been on my radar. He didn't quite understand my excitement, but said he would make the call the next day. When he did, he was told there were no reservations available except for a table in the kitchen. He'd rather sit in the dining room, but told the nice young lady, "my wife will love that, so I'll book it." Well, after a spectacular meal, stellar wine pairings, phenomenal service, and wonderful pre- and post-dinner drinks with bartender Allison, he tells everyone it is the best table in the house at one of his favorite restaurants in the country. I agree.

(Click here for photos of Frasca's Chef's and Master Sommelier's visit to Phoenix for a Scarpetta wine dinner in March 2015).

On my January trip to Austin, one downtown highlight was visiting a popular food truck and enjoying expertly crafted cocktails guided by my friend Cristi, who lives in the city. Paul Qui's East Side King Thai-Kun is parked behind Whisler's and open 7 days a week, 4 pm to 1:45 am. Qui, of Uchi and Uchiko, has 4 East Side King food trucks and a legion of fans. With Chef Thai Changthong in charge, Thai-Kun is more Thai-inspired (other ESK locations may find you dining on pork belly buns, octopus tacos, fried kimchi, or ramen).

I wanted one of everything after seeing the menu, but we finally decided on 3 dishes. There are picnic tables set up to eat al fresco, but we took a seat at Whisler's bar, sipping on excellent Old Fashioneds stirred up by Brett (who formerly lived in Arizona and worked at the Jade Bar) as we waited for our dishes to be delivered.

Our feast was some of the best street food dishes I've had and Thai-Kun was not afraid to bring on the heat. We loved the crunchy grilled baguette with a peanut curry sauce, a harmonious blend of coconut milk and red and massaman curry; Khao Man Gai, tender steamed chicken on rich chicken-fat rice, chicken jus and soy bean sauce; and the Isaan sausage special - a garlicky fermented sausage made with pork and rice and served grilled with fresh herbs and crunchy cabbage.

Afterwards, at Brett's suggestion, we headed over to Firehouse Lounge & Hostel, a craft cocktail lounge with an entrance hidden behind a bookcase in the hostel lobby. Our evening ended with excellent service and libations (try a Quill or Familia Real) from Carolyn, and a complimentary round of Bee's Knees shots. It was a perfect last night in Austin before heading back home.

Top of the Market is one of the special spots we return to each year on our annual trip to San Diego and the Del Mar races. Chef Ivan Flowers is one of my favorite chefs, passionate and talented. Perched above the Fish Market, with a gorgeous view of San Diego Bay, it's the perfect setting for his delicious menu.

Chef's delicious dip with parmesan and balsamic to accompany warm slices of bread